Old Keoland

Old Keoland stretches from the lowlands along the Sheldomar River to the foothills of the imposing mountain ranges that form the western wall of the Flanaess. Its terrain is varied, with distinct subregions:

• The Sheldomar Valley – Fertile, heavily populated, and crisscrossed by trade roads and rivers. Once the heart of Keoish power, it includes major cities like Gradsul and Niole Dra.
• The Rushmoors and Dreadwood – Tangled forests and dangerous swamps sheltering fey, lizardfolk, and ancient druids—along with darker things.
• The Ulek States (Celene, Duchy, County, and Principality) – Former vassals of Keoland, now fiercely independent. These lands are mountainous and forested, home to dwarves, gnomes, and elves—and frequently beset by giants and orcs.
• The Crystalmists and the Jotens – Massive, snow-capped mountain ranges that form a dangerous natural border. These are strongholds of giants, dragons, and ogres, often in conflict with the lowlands.
• The Hellfurnaces – An active volcanic range south of the Crystalmists, belching ash and smoke. These mountains are home to fire giants, salamanders, and worse.

Key Locations

• Niole Dra – The capital of Keoland and a bastion of order, known for its ancient noble houses and deep conservatism.
• Gradsul – A vital port city with strong ties to the sea and rival ambitions to the crown.
• Istivin (Sterich) – Recently reclaimed from giants, this fortified city is rebuilding and remains a key bulwark against mountain incursions.
• Hochoch (Geoff) – A frontier city under constant threat, serving as a base for campaigns to retake lost lands.
• Monastery of the Yellow Rose – Located in the mountains near Bissel, this reclusive monastery is known for its warrior-monks and knowledge of the giants' movements.

Old Keoland faces increasing pressure from monstrous threats, internal rivalries, and geopolitical uncertainty:

• Giants and Dragons – These ancient foes grow bolder. Raids from the mountains have intensified, and rumors swirl of alliances between fire giants and red dragons in the Hellfurnaces.
• Orc Tribes and Humanoids – The orcish kingdoms of the Pomarj and scattered bands from the Jotens often raid the border duchies.
• Fragmentation – Former provinces such as Geoff, Sterich, and Bissel have suffered occupations by monstrous invaders or are still recovering from them. Many of these lands harbor resentment toward Niole Dra’s past inaction.
• Druidic and Fey Powers – The wild lands such as the Dreadwood and Dim Forest are guarded by druidic circles and powerful forest spirits, who care little for human politics and sometimes hinder efforts at expansion or militarization.

Keoland was once the leading power in the western Flanaess, dominating its neighbors through might and diplomacy. Though its imperial phase ended over a century ago, the cultural and political weight of its past lingers in Old Keoland.

Much of the region was originally settled by Suel migrants, Flan natives, and Oeridian pioneers, and their mixed heritage created the foundation of Keoish civilization. Over the years, powerful duchies and principalities emerged under the banner of the Keoish throne—many of which have since drifted toward independence or outright defiance.